Admin said to be eyeing insurance extension

WASHINGTON - The Obama administration is considering an extension of the president's decision to let people keep their individual insurance policies even if they are not compliant with the health care overhaul.

That's according to two top industry officials.

Avalere Health CEO Dan Mendelson says the administration may let policyholders keep that coverage for an additional three years. But he stresses no decision has been made. Policymakers are waiting to see what rate hikes health insurers plan for the insurance exchanges that are key to the overhaul's coverage expansions. Mendelson says he has had informal discussions with administration officials, but he didn't identify them.

Aetna Chairman and CEO Mark Bertolini also told analysts he had heard that the plans may be extended.